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Photo courtesy of Texas Original

There’s a budding medical marijuana industry in the Lone Star State, and Texas Original — the first Texas-owned medical marijuana dispensary in the state — has witnessed the power of this medicine firsthand.

Since opening its doors in 2018, Texas Original has seen the life-changing results that cannabis medicine has had on patients across the state. Medical marijuana has allowed patients to achieve a life without seizures, enabled patients to walk again, and has even helped many patients discontinue heavy doses of pharmaceuticals and opioid medications.

In 2021, the Texas Compassionate Use Program expanded once again, allowing for more Texans than ever to access medical marijuana to alleviate their symptoms.

In celebration of 4/20, here’s what you need to know about medical marijuana in Texas and how to get a prescription.

Medical marijuana is legal in Texas
Over 100 conditions are currently eligible to receive medical marijuana under the Compassionate Use Program in Texas. Thousands of Texans are now finding relief with medical marijuana for symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Night terrors
  • Seizures

In 2023, Texas will enter the 88th legislative session and Texas Original is advocating for increased accessibility for Texans. Texas Original is proud to have their roots in the Lone Star State and has made it their mission to transform Texas through the power and truth of medical cannabis.

How to get a medical marijuana prescription
Receiving a medical marijuana prescription in Texas is easier than you think. Celebrate 4/20 by beginning your journey to relief with these three simple steps:

  • First, fill out the Get a Prescription form on the Texas Original website. Texas Original will send you a text and email confirming your submission.
  • You will then be contacted within 24 hours by a partnering cannabis clinic. Each cannabis clinic offers telemedicine visits so that you can meet with a physician from the comfort of your home, no matter where you live in Texas. During your visit, the physician will go over what symptoms you are experiencing and discuss treatment options.
  • Once you receive your medical marijuana prescription, you’re ready to place an order for pick up or delivery. Simply call the Texas Original dispensary, start a chat on their website, or sign up on the Patient Portal. Texas Original offers several prescription pick-up locations throughout Texas and statewide delivery so Texans in all four corners of the state can access relief.

The knowledgeable team at Texas Original is equipped to help you along the way and answer any questions you may have. Visit the website at texasoriginal.com for more information.

Texas Original offers a variety of products and doses for patients, including a 20 mg THC-only gummy with fast-acting nanoemulsion technology to give patients quicker onset times.

Medical marijuana products
Photo courtesy of Texas Original
Texas Original offers a variety of products and doses for patients, including a 20 mg THC-only gummy with fast-acting nanoemulsion technology to give patients quicker onset times.
Photo courtesy of TOCC

Texas is expanding access to medical marijuana. Do you qualify?

Check It Out

On September 1, 2021, patients suffering from any stage of cancer and battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be able to access physician-prescribed medical cannabis in Texas.

What’s happening?
The much-anticipated House Bill 1535 is going into effect on that date, expanding access to medical cannabis to even more patients under the Compassionate Use Program (CUP). Likewise, the bill will increase the THC limit in medical cannabis products from 0.5 percent to 1 percent by weight.

Cancer and PTSD join other conditions eligible for medical cannabis including peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, seizure disorders, autism, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and more.

How did we achieve expansion?
Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation (TOCC), the leading medical cannabis provider in Texas, advocated for House Bill 1535 alongside its author, House Public Health Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Klick. Patients, caregivers and advocates from across Texas contributed their efforts to ensure the bill would become a reality.

What’s next?
TOCC is introducing the first fast-acting gummies in the state of Texas on September 1, and has a full line of products available to existing and new patients.

Additionally, TOCC has made the process of obtaining a medical cannabis prescription easy, with free online consultations, fast statewide delivery, prescription pick-up locations throughout Texas, and convenient online refills.

Millions of Texans are currently eligible to benefit from medical cannabis. Schedule a free consultation to find out if you or a loved one qualify for a prescription.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation

3 things you need to know about medical marijuana in Texas

Get the Facts

That’s right, medical marijuana is legal in Texas. Although the state’s program pales in comparison to the full medical programs of its neighbors, qualified Texans can access low-THC medical marijuana if they have a qualifying condition.

Here’s what you need to know about what is legal, who qualifies, and how to get a prescription for medical marijuana in Texas.

What is legal in Texas?
While recreational marijuana is still illegal in the state, medical marijuana with up to 0.5 percent THC by weight is legal for Texans who qualify under the Compassionate Use Program. This year, the program could see some expansions as Texas lawmakers meet for the 2021 legislative session.

Legislation such as Texas House Bill 1535, if passed, could allow more Texans to find relief with medical marijuana and increase the allowable percentage of THC to 5 percent by weight.

Who qualifies for medical marijuana in Texas?
The Compassionate Use Program allows Texans who have qualifying conditions to access medical marijuana. Approved conditions include:

How do I become a patient?
Texans who qualify for medical marijuana can get a prescription in just a few simple steps. To be eligible, you must:

  • be a Texas resident
  • have a qualifying condition
  • receive a prescription from a doctor who is registered to prescribe medical marijuana in the state

Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, the leading medical marijuana company in Texas, makes the process easy for new patients.

Just fill out the form to find a doctor who can prescribe in your area. The TOCC team will send you an email with local and telemedicine options. Please be sure to check your spam or promotions folder.

After your appointment, contact TOCC’s friendly dispensary team and they will schedule you for a pick-up at one of their four locations across Texas, or arrange a delivery right to your home. Plus, take advantage of their first-time patient discount and get 20 percent off your first order and buy one, get one 50 percent off your second order.

No matter what you choose, you can rest easy knowing that their medicine is made by Texans, for Texans, with a commitment to quality, consistency, and purity.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation

How Texans with MS can find natural relief with medical marijuana

TOCC FTW

More Texans are turning to medical marijuana to treat their multiple sclerosis symptoms, and here's why. In 2019, the Texas legislature expanded the Compassionate Use Program, approving more conditions — like multiple sclerosis — for medical marijuana in the Lone Star State.

Since then, success stories from MS patients and their doctors have emerged across the state as more Texans try medical marijuana to treat their symptoms.

Tracy was one of these stories. After several unsuccessful treatments, her doctor told her she was a "no option" patient. Her pain and inflammation limited her daily activities and she still hadn't found a solution to effectively relieve her symptoms.

When she discovered Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, the only Texas-owned and -operated medical marijuana company in the state, she finally regained her quality of life.

"It's a big deal just to be able to go outside and do some yard work," says Tracy. "It's the things you take for granted. This medical cannabis brought back my hope and quality of life."

The research behind medical marijuana for MS
In addition to these success stories, recent studies have shown medical marijuana as an effective treatment for many MS symptoms. Both THC and CBD, the active chemicals in medical marijuana, may help relieve common symptoms such as pain, stiffness, mobility problems, spasticity, depression, and anxiety.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 160 patients found that medical marijuana improved several MS symptoms with no significant adverse effects on cognition or mood. Another study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that medical cannabis helped ease muscle stiffness caused by MS.

With more research supporting its benefits, there is increasing acceptance of medical marijuana in the MS community in Texas and across the U.S. Texans who are interested in trying medical marijuana for their symptoms can get a prescription in a few simple steps.

Getting a medical marijuana prescription for MS
Do you or a loved one have MS? Getting a medical marijuana prescription isn't as difficult as you might think. Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation can help you find a doctor who is registered to prescribe medical marijuana.

To start, simply fill out their Find a Doctor form. Within 24 hours, you will receive a list of doctors in your area. After your appointment, call 512-614-0343 to fill your prescription. You can pick up your prescription from one of TOCC's four locations throughout Texas or get it delivered right to your home.

---

Need more info? Visit the Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation website to learn more about TCUP, the benefits of medical marijuana, and which conditions might qualify for treatment.

Thanks to the Compassionate Use Program, Texans with MS can find relief.

Marijuana plant inside Texas state outline
Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation
Thanks to the Compassionate Use Program, Texans with MS can find relief.
Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation

3 simple steps to obtaining a medical marijuana prescription in Texas

Finding Relief

It's been a few months since Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, the state's first legal medical marijuana producer and dispensary, expanded with more Texas pick-up locations, including Plano, San Antonio, and Houston in addition to its Austin flagship.

But many still may be unsure of what the company provides or how to start the process to get medical cannabis in Texas. Turns out, all it takes to find relief for more than 146 conditions is filling out a simple form.

Their team will then work with your current physician or match you with a doctor registered to prescribe medical marijuana under the Texas Compassionate Use Program. They can refer you to doctors that offer either in-person and virtual appointments.

Follow this step-by-step guide to learn more about this powerful treatment option that could help treat a variety of symptoms frequently associated with autism, ALS, terminal cancer, MS, and more.

Step 1: Fill out the form
You don't need to come to TOCC with your own prescription — let them help you find the right doctor by connecting you with their network of physicians, all of whom are registered to prescribe medical cannabis and are overseen by a medical advisory board. If you have a current physician that's interested in prescribing, they can help walk them through the simple process of getting registered.

Provide some quick details using this form, and one of TOCC's patient representatives will contact you within 24 hours to help.

Step 2: Set an appointment
Telemedicine is likely the easiest option during the pandemic, but certain conditions might require an in-office visit. Many of the prescribers in the network can see you quickly and help get you on the road to relief.

Step 3: Follow up
Once your new physician has electronically submitted your prescription, call the dispensary at 512-614-0343 to choose your preferred flavor and confirm your pick-up or delivery. The medicines are available in easy-to-consume tinctures, lozenges, and sprays. You can pick up your prescription from one of TOCC's four locations throughout Texas or have it delivered to your home.

Medical cannabis has provided relief for thousands of people in Texas — both adults and children — and you can learn more about their stories on TOCC's website.

From a mother who finally found a way to manage her multiple sclerosis to a child who gained control over his seizures after all other medications had failed, these stories speak for themselves.

If you or a loved one are suffering and believe you could benefit from cannabis medicine, review the list of qualifying conditions and let TOCC help you find relief.

---

Need more info? Visit the Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation website to learn more about TCUP, the benefits of medical marijuana, and which conditions might qualify for treatment.

It's simple to get the medical marijuana prescription you need.

Marijuana plant
Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation
It's simple to get the medical marijuana prescription you need.
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San Antonio rent prices increased 7 percent from 2022, report finds

RENT'S DUE

Apartment rent keeps going up in Texas, and in San Antonio the increase is seven percent more than last year, making it more difficult to afford living in the city. That’s according to a new national rent report from online rental marketplace Zumper.

Despite rent increases showing small improvements month-over-month, overall prices are still on the high side from the previous year. For example, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is $1,430 now, in March of 2023, which is a 1.4 percent decrease from the previous month, but a 4.4 percent increase from 2022. The average rent for a one-bedroom is $1,160, which is a mere .90 percent increase month-over-month, but a whopping 7.4 percent increase from last year.

The report looked at rental data from more than one million active listings in the top 100 cities in the United States to determine the rankings. Zumper ranked San Antonio the No. 66 most expensive rental market across the nation in February of 2023, up three places from the last report.

The report attributes these recent rental increase trends to the nation's rising inflation rate and unpredictable economy. Though unemployment is low (less than 3.4 percent), potential homebuyers are being sidelined with increasing interest rates. This is causing more competition among renters all over the country.

“Many markets continue to either normalize or correct following the steep increases in rent seen in 2021 [and 2022] in the zero interest rate [and] QE environment we went through,” said Zumper CEO Anthemos Georgiades in the report. “With interest rates expected to rise further in 2023, we anticipate continued deceleration in rent rises as new household formation freezes or is at least postponed.”

Much higher up the list from San Antonio is its Central Texas neighbor Austin, coming in as the No. 25 most expensive rental market, which is a two-place increase from a previous report. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment stayed relatively flat over the last month, at $1,670, yet is still 7.7 percent higher than it was last year. Two-bedroom apartments saw a higher year-over-year increase at 8.4 percent, with the average rent price at $2,070.

Several cities in the DFW metro area also made the list, as well as Houston (No. 51) and El Paso (No. 95). Most notably, Irving (No. 34) is experiencing a nearly 15 percent year-over-year rent increase for both one- and two-bedroom apartments.

The nine total Texas cities that made the list include:

  • No. 25 – Austin
  • No. 34 – Irving
  • No. 36 – Dallas
  • No. 40 – Plano
  • No. 51 – Houston
  • No. 55 – Fort Worth
  • No. 66 – San Antonio
  • No. 67 – Arlington
  • No. 95 – El Paso

The full data from Zumper’s National Rent Report can be found at zumper.com.

Crafting the perfect sip-and-stay vacay in Lubbock

Bottoms Up

Did you know that around 80 percent of all grapes sourced by Texas wineries come from the High Plains AVA in West Texas? Or that Lubbock has its own signature cocktail? The city's craft beer scene has also exploded in the past five years.

All of this means that the West Texas city is now bubbling up with ideas for a refreshing getaway, whether you're a hophead, oenophile, or even a mocktail maven.

Curious to taste these bevvies for yourself? Here's what's brewing in Lubbock:

Cheers for beers

Two Docs Brewing Co.: The double doctors in the brewery's name are Dr. Eric Cunningham (a veterinarian) and Dr. Tyson Purdy (a family medicine practitioner), cousins who took their love of beer public in 2019. Located in the Cultural District, the environmentally-conscious brewery is known for its Buddy Hoppy IPA, Lubbock Light lager, and Two Docs Bock.

The Brewery LBK: USA Today crowned this newish brewery the Top Brewpub in the Nation, and it's a title head brewmaster Sally Taylor and general manager Mike Nghiem don't take lightly. The beers are a mix of classic profiles and inventive flavors, with plenty of seasonal rotations and nods to Hub City. Try the Low Hanging Fruit, made with Albarino grapes from the local Veesart Vineyards. Wine on the nose with flavors of bright citrus complement a wheat and barley backbone with farmhouse ale notes.

Good Line Beer Co.: What began as a true garage start-up is now a celebrated brewery in the historic Tech Terrace neighborhood, putting out brews with whimsical names like Catastrophe Girlfriend (a raspberry weisse), Range Life (a pilsner), and Bitter Buffalo (an IPA). Owners Chris Troutman and Shawn Phillips are heavy on community, with local artist Dirk Fowler creating the label designs.

Wine time

Syrah is one of the key grape varieties grown here, alongside Tempranillo and Grenache — two other varieties known to perform well in warm, dry climates like the Texas High Plains AVA. White grapes are also grown, but to a much lesser extent, mostly from Viognier, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc..

Seek out your next favorite glass (or bottle!) at Bolen Winery Vineyards, Burklee Hill Vineyards, English Newsom Cellars, McPherson Cellars, La Diosa Cellars, and Llano Estacado Winery, the second-oldest winery in the state. Adelphos Cellars will also open soon, inviting Lubbock into the city's newest winery, tasting room, and event venue.

The famous Lubbock Chilton

Called "a cocktail as bright and pure as the West Texas sun" by Texas Monthly, the Chilton is a refreshing cocktail comprised of vodka, fresh lemon juice, bubbly water, and a salted rim. The story goes that years ago, a parched Dr. Chilton instructed a bartender at the Lubbock Country Club to mix these ingredients together, and a signature sip was born.

You'll spot the Chilton all around town, with variations that range from fruity to spicy and even as the inspiration for a few seasonal beers. Here's a primer if you're not sure where to start.

Zero-proof pours

Alcohol isn't required for a great drink — just ask The West Table Kitchen and Bar and The Nicolett.

Everyone is included in the toast at The West Table with offerings such as the tropical Riki Tiki and "gin" rambler Baby Blue, among others. Each libation feels even more elegant thanks to the restaurant's location within the historic Pioneer Building in downtown Lubbock.

Two Docs Brewing Co

Photo courtesy of Visit Lubbock

Two Docs Brewing Co. was actually founded by two doctors.

At The Nicolett, 2022 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas and owner of The Nicolett, Finn Walter incorporated several non-alcoholic beverages into his cocktail menu to serve a craft experience for all to savor. From the botanical Garden Gimlet to the sweet-tart I Love Yuzu, each showcases an alcohol alternative in the ingredients list.

Where to rest your head

Stow your suitcase at the newly opened Aloft hotel, or check into an Airbnb managed by Home on the Range LBK, which owns four beautifully decorated properties all near Texas Tech University.

Looking forward

In the coming months, Lubbock will see the debut of Milestones Park and a new Dave & Busters. Even if you've visited before, there's always more to discover in Hub City — plan your next visit now.

San Antonio's historic Pearl celebrates Women's History Month with unveiling of a new mural

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

One of San Antonio’s most historic landmark communities is paying homage to its prominent women all of March in celebration of Women’s History Month, with an additional unveiling of a new mural by a local female artist.

Women comprise half of Pearl’s leadership team, and a majority of women in the company are in management positions. A majority of the establishments at Pearl are also led, owned, or founded by women.

“This month, we are taking a moment to reflect on and recognize the leaders, artists, business owners and chefs who are actively making an impact not only at Pearl but across the city of San Antonio through their skills, crafts and future forward visions,” Pearl CEO Mesha Millsap shared in a press release.

Local artist Martha Martinez-Flores’ artwork will be featured at Pearl all month. Her latest piece is a three-dimensional “Strong Mujer” mural created in collaboration with students in the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) National Art Honor Society. The mural highlights the power of all women in the local community.

“This year’s mural celebrates the strength and bravery of women at the heart of our San Antonio community, who make us who we are: grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, colleagues, teachers, doctors, caregivers and more,” shared Martinez-Flores. “Collaborating with younger generations of students at YWLA and sharing their artistic voice only makes this message more powerful.”

A list of the prominent women leaders at Pearl's many restaurants and businesses include:

  • Adelante – Marla Ross, owner (since September 2010)
  • Bakery Lorraine – Anne Ng, James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, executive pastry chef and owner (since October 2014)
  • Best Quality Daughter – Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, James Beard Award Semifinalist for Emerging Chef, chef and owner (since November 2020)
  • Chilaquil – Susana Aguirre, co-owner with husband Orlando Aguirre (since September 2021)
  • Dos Carolinas – Caroline Matthews, owner (since September 2012)
  • Feliz Modern – Ginger Diaz, co-owner with husband Mario Diaz (since November 2019)
  • Hiatus Spa – Sheila Garrison, managing partner and co-founder (since May 2017)
  • LeeLee – Leigh Landreth, owner and tastemaker (since September 2012)
  • Mi Roti – James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef, Texas, and owner Nicola Blaque (since March 2020)
  • Niche – Ayse Derman, owner and creative director (since April 2014)
  • Rancho Diaz – Ginger Diaz, co-owner with husband Mario Diaz (since August 2021)
  • The Tiny Finch – Karen Lee Zachry, new owner (since February 2023)
  • The Twig Book Shop – Frances Douglas, owner (since May 2013)

Pearl’s long history of women leadership goes back to the early 1900’s when Emma Koehler, the namesake of the Hotel Emma, decided to take over her husband’s brewery after his death in 1914. Koehler was an innovative, powerful woman who kept the business running during Prohibition by resourcefully shifting gears into dry cleaning and auto repair, while also making “near beer,” fountain drinks, and ice cream.

Millsap admires Koehler’s incredible show of strength during “a time that could have destroyed the business.”

“Over 100 years later, we are still in awe of her and honor her memory by continuing her legacy of resilience and innovation,” she added.

More information about Pearl can be found at atpearl.com.